Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Eurovision 2014: Twitter in praise of drag queen Conchita Wurst’s performance for Austria

 

Daisy Wyatt
Monday 12 May 2014 17:13 BST
Comments
Singer Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest
Singer Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

She has received a transphobic backlash from some eastern European groups, but tonight Eurovision viewers were full of praise for Austrian drag artist entry Conchita Wurst.

Fans took to Twitter to praise the performer, comparing her song “Rise Like A Phoenix” to a Shirley Bassey ballad or a Bond theme tune.

Many tweeted in favour of Wurst’s set, expressing their support for the drag performer.

One mother tweeted: “I am so glad that my kids live in an era where it is Conchita and not Hitler that represents Austria in Europe.”

Others were quick to compare the singer’s looks to Jesus, X Factor runner-up Rylan and Tulisa Contostavlos.

Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, had received negative comments from a minority of eastern Europeans calling for the Austrian entry to be withdrawn from Eurovision.

Russian politician Vitaly Milonov, one of the architects of the country’s gay propaganda law, called Wurst a “pervert” and labelled the competition a “hotbed of sodomy”.

Wurst responded to the criticism before the competing, saying: “I can only say [to them] ‘Thank you for your attention!’ If this is only about me and my person, I can live with it.

“I’m just a singer in a fabulous dress, with great hair and a beard.”

Read the reaction to Wurst’s Eurovision performance:

Read more: Trivia quiz – how much do you know about Eurovision?
Why is Eurovision so political?
Russian politician brands contest 'Sodom Show'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in